Published: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 6:20 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 6:20 a.m.

Family: I come from a family of four children, raised by my loving and supportive parents and stepparents. Now I'm engaged to be married to a wonderful man.

Did you ever see yourself as a TV personality?

I'd say yes. In my early teens I began acting and singing with the Brevard Little Theatre. In high school I continued to pursue those passions through school musicals and concert chorus. Those experiences gave me the guts needed to be in front of a crowd and eventually camera. Through my college years, I developed a passion for journalism.

When did you first get involved in running?

I started running in middle school, after a friend encouraged me to join cross country and track.

Talk about your high school days at Brevard. What were some of your favorite races and courses to run at?

Oh, the glory days of running. … I had lots of fun and memorable races. Ones that stand out in my mind include being a part of multiple state championship 4x800 meter relay teams (at Brevard High School), and also setting a new conference record in the mile. Another great year was when our cross-country team won the 2-A state championship.

What was it like competing at the college level, and do any big meets stick out in your mind?

Competing at a Division I school is a huge commitment as a student athlete. I ran cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. It's basically a full-time job. But it was such a great experience, I wouldn't change it for the world. I think for any runner, the races which led to personal records are always memorable. Mine include breaking 2:20 in the 800 meters and breaking 19 minutes in the 5K.

When did you first decide you might pursue a career in journalism?

I decided my senior year of high school. When UNCA was recruiting me to run, I had the chance to visit the school and see the mass communications department. I was sold.

Talk about the mass communications department at UNC Asheville. Who were some of your favorite professors and why?

The mass communications department gave me a good base for print journalism, video production and broadcast media. Alan Hantz did a great job with the broadcasting class and running “Mountain Highlights,” the school television show. I think I took that class three times, so I could practice anchoring.

How did you get involved with WLOS?

I had an internship at WLOS the summer before my senior year in college. I was then asked to come back at the end of my senior year as an associate producer. After graduation, I started my onair career in Eugene, Ore., as a reporter and weather anchor. When a position opened up in the WLOS Rutherford County newsroom, I jumped at the opportunity to come home to the mountains … so here I am.

What's it like now, knowing you are one of the anchors and also part of the weather team?

It's an honor to be a part of the news and weather team I grew up watching. It's also a lot of fun for my friends and family to see me on television.

Had you wanted to pursue a career in meteorology or was it something that came about through your career path?

I've always been fascinated by weather. During my time at UNCA, I took meteorology courses in the wonderful atmospheric science department. Not until the opportunity presented itself at my former station, did I consider weather anchoring. I love the variety it offers in my job.

What's the future hold for you? Only time will tell.

I'm given so many wonderful opportunities at News 13 that make it fun to go to work. I'm so excited to see what path my career will take.

<p>Age: 26 Residence: Asheville Occupation: News anchor, reporter and former collegiate runner </p><p>Family: I come from a family of four children, raised by my loving and supportive parents and stepparents. Now I'm engaged to be married to a wonderful man.</p><p>Did you ever see yourself as a TV personality?</p><p>I'd say yes. In my early teens I began acting and singing with the Brevard Little Theatre. In high school I continued to pursue those passions through school musicals and concert chorus. Those experiences gave me the guts needed to be in front of a crowd and eventually camera. Through my college years, I developed a passion for journalism.</p><p>When did you first get involved in running?</p><p>I started running in middle school, after a friend encouraged me to join cross country and track.</p><p>Talk about your high school days at Brevard. What were some of your favorite races and courses to run at?</p><p>Oh, the glory days of running. … I had lots of fun and memorable races. Ones that stand out in my mind include being a part of multiple state championship 4x800 meter relay teams (at Brevard High School), and also setting a new conference record in the mile. Another great year was when our cross-country team won the 2-A state championship.</p><p>What was it like competing at the college level, and do any big meets stick out in your mind?</p><p>Competing at a Division I school is a huge commitment as a student athlete. I ran cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. It's basically a full-time job. But it was such a great experience, I wouldn't change it for the world. I think for any runner, the races which led to personal records are always memorable. Mine include breaking 2:20 in the 800 meters and breaking 19 minutes in the 5K.</p><p>When did you first decide you might pursue a career in journalism?</p><p>I decided my senior year of high school. When UNCA was recruiting me to run, I had the chance to visit the school and see the mass communications department. I was sold.</p><p>Talk about the mass communications department at UNC Asheville. Who were some of your favorite professors and why?</p><p>The mass communications department gave me a good base for print journalism, video production and broadcast media. Alan Hantz did a great job with the broadcasting class and running “Mountain Highlights,” the school television show. I think I took that class three times, so I could practice anchoring.</p><p>How did you get involved with WLOS?</p><p>I had an internship at WLOS the summer before my senior year in college. I was then asked to come back at the end of my senior year as an associate producer. After graduation, I started my onair career in Eugene, Ore., as a reporter and weather anchor. When a position opened up in the WLOS Rutherford County newsroom, I jumped at the opportunity to come home to the mountains … so here I am.</p><p>What's it like now, knowing you are one of the anchors and also part of the weather team?</p><p>It's an honor to be a part of the news and weather team I grew up watching. It's also a lot of fun for my friends and family to see me on television. </p><p>Had you wanted to pursue a career in meteorology or was it something that came about through your career path? </p><p>I've always been fascinated by weather. During my time at UNCA, I took meteorology courses in the wonderful atmospheric science department. Not until the opportunity presented itself at my former station, did I consider weather anchoring. I love the variety it offers in my job.</p><p>What's the future hold for you? Only time will tell.</p><p>I'm given so many wonderful opportunities at News 13 that make it fun to go to work. I'm so excited to see what path my career will take.</p>